Food And Drinks To Put 2020 In The Rearview Mirror
It's no secret that this year has been a downer, from the coronavirus pandemic to killer hornets. But there's one thing that's been there to get you through it all: food. Hours in the kitchen spent baking bread, making viral TikTok coffee recipes and cooking up copious amounts of comfort food have likely changed the way you view cooking at home. To embrace and say an earnest farewell to this year, these are the best food and drink recipes to put 2020 in the rearview mirror.
CoronaRita
Everyone had a go-to cocktail during the early days of coronavirus. And even though you might have avoided the irony of knocking back a few Corona-brand beers, what's a better way to bid farewell to 2020 than by having a CoronaRita? The drink packs a punch, with a mini Corona plunged into a delicious margarita.
Quarantini
Not a fan of tequila? No worries. There are plenty of other quarantine cocktails to choose from, like this Swedish Zen martini, which will help mend your 2020 woes. The drink spruces up your average quarantini recipe by mixing together pear hard cider, gin, cucumber and agave syrup.
‘Tiger King’ Cake Beignets
How could anyone forget the feud between "Tiger King" Joe Exotic and his feline foe Carole Baskin? The Netflix series swept the nation in March and was a notable part of coronavirus lockdown entertainment. Honor the drama, lions and endless cheetah print clothing with this extravagant recipe for "Tiger King" cake beignets. Color the sugar orange and black for extra kitsch.
Bee’s Knees Cocktail
The cherry on top of this year's spring season had to be "murder hornets." The bug's official name is the Asian giant hornet, and they're known to be the largest wasp in the world. Many joked that the hornets were predicted in an early episode of "The Simpsons," but whether they're a part of some larger cartoon conspiracy or not, this bee's knees cocktail pays homage to the insects.
Yeast Knead Not Apply Bread
Flaunting your bread-baking skills on social media was a quarantine staple. But a yeast shortage ensued when people across the country panic-bought the essential to make their impressive crusty creations. Commemorate the great yeast shortage of 2020 with this cranberry orange bread. A plus? No yeast is required.
An Ode to Whipped Coffee …
Learning how to perfect bread from home wasn't the only popular quarantine trend. TikTok blew this whipped coffee recipe to fame as an easy and strong way to make iced coffee without leaving your house. All you need is instant coffee, sugar and water.
… And Cloud Bread
TikTok strikes again. Like whipped coffee, cloud bread also took the app by storm as a low-carb snack, great for sandwiches, dipping and more. To make the viral treat, just check your kitchen for eggs, cream of tartar and cream cheese.
‘Animal Crossing’ Easter Eggs
The debut of the Nintendo Switch game "Animal Crossing" got many people through the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, but there was a big, rotten egg ... Bunny Day recipes. Relive the experience of finding earth eggs instead of fossils and the maniacal Bunny Day mascot with these fluffy marshmallow bunnies. This is a task you'll actually want to complete.
‘Polled’ Pork Sandwiches
The United States presidential primaries may feel like years ago, but it really was just this summer that Joe Biden formally won the Democratic Party's nomination. Take a trip down memory lane with these "polled" pork sandwiches. The beloved summer food and punny name will bring you right back to the dog days of 2020.
The Long Lost Stadium Hot Dog
If you've felt like you missed out on a key part of "normal" life due to the inability to watch your favorite athletes play up close and personal, this is the recipe for you. Take store-bought hot dogs to the next level by dressing them in relish, mustard, ketchup and more. One bite will bring your taste buds courtside.
Christmas Came Early Sugar Cookies
Holding onto some semblance of joy has been a must during 2020, which might be why holiday decorations went up in the spring. Others started decorating the moment the last socially distanced trick-or-treater left. Make these Santa-inspired Christmas cookies to keep the party going.
Red, White and Blue Pizza
From a global pandemic to the presidential election, 2020 really packed it all in. And if you had your hand glued to your phone during the week-long election, waiting for the results to roll in, you probably were in need of some comfort food. It's never too late to dive in though, and this red, white and blue pizza bursts with flavor and patriotism.
‘John King’ Casserole
While most people were catching some z's during the presidential election, news anchors across the country were pulling all-nighters to break down the results, report breaking news and more. If you enjoyed the coverage — and slap-happy moments that ensued — whip up this "John King" casserole and pay homage to some of the election's MVPs.
First Female Vice President Cupcakes
This year made history in a bunch of different ways, but one of the most notable was when Kamala Harris became vice president-elect. When she and President-elect Joe Biden are sworn into office in January 2021, Harris will become the first female vice president in U.S. history. If that excites you, make these Champagne cupcakes to celebrate.
‘Queen’s Gambit’ Chess Pie
Hubbub about new shows and celebrity gossip was a welcomed distraction during the 2020 dumpster fire. One of the most recent shows making waves is Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit." If your chess prodigy dreams are out of reach, make this chocolate chess pie instead.
A Toast to 2020
2020 is winding down, and although you might not be able to celebrate with a huge party, this New Year's sparkler cocktail will make you feel like you're watching the ball drop in Times Square. Made with red berry vodka and prosecco, this cocktail packs a punch.
We Need All The Luck We Can Get
After enjoying some New Year's Eve libations, don't forget to make some lucky dishes to start 2021 off on the right foot. This slow cooker pork and sauerkraut recipe gets the job done. The lucky dish simmers in apple cider, onions and garlic in a slow cooker for eight hours. Not a fan of sauerkraut? No problem. Try more of our New Year's recipes that will bring you good luck ... we're gonna need it.
For the Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut recipe, click here.
More from The Daily Meal:
Gingerbread Recipes for Houses, Cookies, Martinis and More
The Best Microwavable Mug Cake Recipes